Wolfpack playing together

RALEIGH -- While backup center Tracy Smith scored eight-straight N.C. State points in the first half, starter Ben McCauley shouted from the bench.

McCauley urged the basketball team's reserves to get back and defend as they widened the Wolfpack's lead in a 79-52 defeat of UNC-Greensboro on Sunday at the RBC Center.

Even though Smith was scoring and McCauley was sitting, there was no animosity or jealousy in McCauley's voice. It was an obvious contrast from the 2007-08 season, when team chemistry soured as freshman center J.J. Hickson dominated the ball in his only season with the Wolfpack before leaving for the NBA.

"We're more together, I think we are," McCauley said. "If we're on the bench, we're rooting for our guys, head over heels. And that's great. Because guys on the floor want to hear that."

There were plenty of points to go around in the post. Wing forward Courtney Fells slashed to the basket for a team-high 22 points, but McCauley and Smith were next on N.C. State's scoring list.

McCauley contributed 17 points and grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds as State reached 4-0 heading into Saturday's game against Davidson at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte. Even with McCauley on the bench, coach Sidney Lowe continued to look into the post first against the Spartans (1-3).

Shouting "Single! Single!" from the bench in the first half, Lowe hollered at forward Dennis Horner to clear out of the high post so Smith could operate alone in the lane during his eight-point burst.

"He's been ready to play," Lowe said of Smith, "and it is nice to have another player so you can still play the way you want to play when you're coming off your bench."

Their games are subtly different. McCauley is one of the ACC's best passing centers, equally adept at feeding teammates and scoring. Smith is stronger and gets to the rim better but isn't as accomplished as a passer.

"I don't think anybody can guard me in the post," he said.

Starting point guard Farnold Degand missed his third game with a knee injury but was cleared to play. Lowe wanted Degand to rest a few more days but expects him to be ready Saturday. Degand's ability to push the ball adds a new element to State's fast break.

Sunday, sophomore point guard Javi Gonzalez had one of his best games with nine points, seven assists, six rebounds and four steals.

"He had great energy," Lowe said. "He probably communicated as much today as I've seen him in a long time, just talking to guys and telling them what's open."